Faith Formation for Adults

Christian Formation in the Diocese of Rhode Island is a life-long experience of living out your Baptismal Covenant. Even adults have room to grow, and here’s how we support this journey of our life in God.

Not sure what God is calling you to do? Discerning a vocation is not just for those contemplating ordained ministry. This page has resources that may help you on your personal journey.

EFM (Education for Ministry)

EFM is a program of theological education at a distance, offered by Sewanee School of Theology. The Diocese of RI is a sponsoring Diocese, and Students of EFM sign up one year at a time for this four year program that covers the basics of a theological education. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate of completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year’s work. If you would like more information, give us a call.

The ADULT section of LeaderResources has a wide range of adult formation resources including Journey in Faith and LifeCycles which are multi-year programs comparable to EFM. You will also find shorter programs designed for Sunday mornings, longer programs for evenings, programs for newcomers and confirmands, and resources focused on the seasons,current events, spirituality and the Scriptures. Programs are downloadable and are designed to be led by average members of a congregation. Those published by LeaderResources are free to Episcopal churches in RI. Call us for details.

Seminary Education for Laity

Seminaries offer education opportunities for laity as well as clergy. For example, the Yale Divinity School Summer Study Program (New Haven, CT) offers two sessions of week-long classes in theology, liturgics, church history, and a whole variety of other topics useful to both lay and ordained ministers. Berkeley at Yale (the Episcopal seminary at Yale Divinity School) offers a variety of degrees and formation opportunities for laity.